Survivors of the Oregon Road fire are hoping a new multi-million dollar grant can help them continue to recover and rebuild their lives.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Spokane County $44 million to assist with long-term recovery efforts from the 2023 Gray and Oregon Road fires.
County leaders met Tuesday night with Oregon Road Fire survivors to gather input on how the funds can best be used to support those still in need.
It’s been nearly two years since the fires. In Elk, while some families have rebuilt, others are still living in their RVs.
Emotions ran high as survivors voiced concerns and questions about how previous funding and donations have been allocated. Many expressed hope that the new grant will directly help families rebuild their homes.
Heidi Gillespie was one of roughly two dozen attendees. She lost her mother’s home in the fire.
“Within 15 minutes of me downloading the Watch Duty app, the house was gone,” she said. Gillespie said her family remains in Spokane, renting a home they can barely afford, and hopes the new funding will prioritize housing for families like hers.
County officials said the $44 million is intended to be used for rebuilding needs, mitigation efforts and other recovery priorities.
Priority will be given to low and moderate income families, and at least $6 million will go towards mitigation efforts.
George Dahl, Spokane County’s Housing and Community Development Administrator, said getting community input is one of the first steps.
“After that, then we go on and we submit our report to the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Dahl said. “Then they’ll review it, make sure that we did everything to standard, and then we’ll have access to those funds to then start appropriating them out into the community.”
He expects that won’t happen until late this year.
When we asked the long term recovery group how previous funds have been used, and official said that its been used for essentials such as propane and asbestos cleanup, with some money still available.
Dahl said to be transparent they will show how this money is being used on their website.
Another meeting for Gray Fire survivors is scheduled in Medical Lake this Thursday. More information can be found here.
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